Texas Instruments MSP430FR5729IDAR

Overview

MSP430FR5729IDAR from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit ultra-low-power FRAM microcontroller featuring 16KB nonvolatile FRAM, 1KB RAM, 10-bit ADC with 12 external channels, 16-channel analog comparator, and dual eUSCI modules supporting UART/IrDA/SPI/I²C. It operates from 2 V to 3.6 V across –40°C to 85°C and targets battery-powered sensor nodes and data loggers requiring fast write endurance and RTC-based wake-up.

For engineers reviewing the MSP430FR5729IDAR datasheet, MSP430FR5729IDAR pinout, MSP430FR5729IDAR application, or MSP430FR5729IDAR equivalent, key selection criteria include FRAM write cycle endurance (10¹⁵), real-time clock with calendar mode, low-power LPM3.5 current (1.5 µA), and TSSOP-38 package compatibility with legacy MSP430 designs.

Technical Context

The MSP430FR5729IDAR implements a 16-bit CPUXV2 core with hardware multiplier and three-channel DMA, enabling efficient signal processing in active mode (81.4 µA/MHz). Its memory subsystem integrates FRAM with built-in ECC and MPU for code/data/storage unification-eliminating separate flash/EEPROM partitions.

Peripherals include five 16-bit timers (three Timer_A and three Timer_B instances), RTC with alarm/calendar, and dual enhanced USCI modules: eUSCI_A0/A1 support UART/IrDA/SPI, while eUSCI_B0 supports I²C and SPI. The analog subsystem features programmable hysteresis on all 16 comparator inputs and internal reference generation for ADC and comparator operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-38 package (body size 12.5 mm × 6.2 mm) with exposed thermal pad recommended to be connected to DVSS.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ultra-low-power mixed-signal microcontroller applications.

Compared with MSP430FR5969IPM, the MSP430FR5729IDAR offers lower system cost and smaller TSSOP-38 footprint but less memory and no crypto engine; versus MSP430F5529IPN, it delivers superior write endurance and 57% lower RTC-active current, though with reduced flash-equivalent capacity.

Availability

MSP430FR5729IDAR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering endpoints, wireless sensor nodes, home automation hubs, and asset tracking tags requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and TI's industrial-grade qualification.

Supply support for MSP430FR5729IDAR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The MSP430FR57xx family was designed specifically for ultra-low-power sensing and system management in building automation, smart grid infrastructure, and industrial monitoring-leveraging FRAM to eliminate flash write limitations in data-logging and event-driven applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MSP430FR5729IDAR?

The MSP430FR5729IDAR supports a maximum system clock frequency of 8 MHz, achieved via its factory-trimmed DCO oscillator or external HFXT crystal. This frequency is fully supported across the entire specified operating voltage range (2 V to 3.6 V) and temperature range (–40°C to 85°C), enabling deterministic real-time performance in timing-critical sensor acquisition and control loops.

Does the MSP430FR5729IDAR include hardware encryption capabilities?

No, the MSP430FR5729IDAR does not include dedicated hardware encryption accelerators such as AES or SHA engines. Its security model relies on software-based implementations and the Memory Protection Unit (MPU) for code/data isolation. For applications requiring hardware-accelerated cryptography, consider the MSP430FR5969IPM, which integrates an AES-128 accelerator and is part of the same FRAM MCU family.

How many I²C interfaces does the MSP430FR5729IDAR support?

The MSP430FR5729IDAR supports one hardware I²C interface via eUSCI_B0, capable of multi-slave addressing and standard/fast-mode operation up to 400 kHz. It does not include a second independent I²C peripheral; additional I²C buses must be implemented in software using GPIO bit-banging or shared with other eUSCI functions.

What is the purpose of the VeREF+ and VeREF- pins on the MSP430FR5729IDAR?

The VeREF+ (P1.1) and VeREF- (P1.0) pins on the MSP430FR5729IDAR provide differential external reference inputs for the 10-bit ADC and analog comparator. VeREF+ accepts a positive reference voltage up to AVCC, while VeREF- sets the negative reference level-enabling ratiometric or precision measurements independent of AVCC fluctuations. Both pins also serve dual roles as general-purpose I/O and ADC channel inputs.

Can the MSP430FR5729IDAR operate from a single 1.8-V supply?

No, the MSP430FR5729IDAR requires a minimum supply voltage of 2.0 V per its recommended operating conditions. Operation below 2.0 V is outside specification and may result in unstable FRAM retention, incorrect ADC conversion, or failure of the integrated LDO regulator. For sub-2-V operation, consider the MSP430FR2355 or MSP430FR2476, which support down to 1.8 V.